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Yet, there's also a vulnerability there, a silent plea. In that moment, I know we both want more, but the question remains - are we brave enough to reach for it?
For a moment, we just stand there, looking at each other. The tension is a physical thing, thick and palpable. Then, without warning, Liam leans in and kisses me.
I kiss him back fiercely, my hands reaching up to cradle his face, afraid he'll pull away. I don't want him to stop. I don't ever want him to let go.
When we finally pull apart, I rest my hands on his nape, unwilling to let go. His hands remain on my hips as he searches my eyes.
"Did you really think I'd forget the night we spent together?" he asks, his voice full of emotion.
The question stings, but I have to answer. I don't like being vulnerable, but honesty seems to be the only path forward.
"You didn't call...I thought it might not have meant as much to you as it did to me," I admit.
He shakes his head, pulling me closer.
"I'm sorry, Kate," he says, his voice full of regret. "I woke up late and had to rush to my shift. But tomorrow's my day off, and I was going to call you. I wanted to ask you out."
My heart flutters at his words, but I can't help but feel guilty.
"I'm sorry, too," I tell him. "I still have a wounded heart, and I should have given you the benefit of the doubt, especially when I was the one asking you to go slow."
"It's okay," Liam reassures me. "We can figure this out. Together. For our happiness."
With that, he leans in and kisses me again, and my knees almost buckle. I want him. I want him so much. His touch, his scent, his taste - I crave it all.
"Are you ready?" he asks when we break apart.
I look at him in confusion, and he gives me a mischievous grin.
"Since you're here, why not start our date now? I know a great spot for stargazing."
His suggestion surprises me, but I nod eagerly, excitement bubbling inside me.
"Sounds perfect."
We get into my car, and as I turn to look at him, he says,
"You're beautiful, Kate. I can't wait to spend another night with you."
“Neither can I,” I reply, but I can't help teasing him. "Your car is going to start missing you."
He laughs, a warm, deep sound that I love.
"I think it will understand," he says, intertwining our fingers together. "After all, I've found the woman of my dreams."
Our laughter fills the car as we drive off, hand in hand. It's a new beginning, and in that moment, we both know we've found a home in each other.
Epilogue - Liam
"Emily, Claire," I call my two daughters, their innocent giggles echoing down the hallway.
They come bolting around the corner, their smiles as radiant as the sun, their arms open wide. I scoop them up in a tight bear hug, ruffling their hair as I always do, tickling them until they squeal with laughter.
"Are you ready, girls?" I ask, looking into their bright eyes. They jump up and down, nodding eagerly.
"Yes, Daddy! Mommy looks so pretty," Emily, my eldest at eight, declares with a wide grin. "You're going to fall in love with her all over again."
Her words warm my heart. It's our tenth anniversary today, a decade of love and happiness that has completely reshaped my life. We're celebrating with a family dinner at the best restaurant in Willow Creek.
